Mid-day meal shores up its nutrient value

According to the survey,thousands of primary and upper primary students in the state do not get the required amount of nutrition in their mid-day meals.

“We have been regularly receiving complaints that vegetables are hardly ever being included in the meals. In most of the places,officials were found mixing potatoes in the meals,which do not have any nourishment value,” said Santosh Rai,Additional Director of MDM Authority.

He added: “Till our menu,specially designed to cater to the taste of specific regions is approved,we will ensure the children get nutrients with the help of this new arrangement. It will be implemented from next week.”

Moreover,from now on,the menu chart put up in schools will mention the quantity of the meal and its equivalent calorie and protein values. For instance,on Monday,roti and potato-soyabeans will be served as mid-day meal. According to the chart,it includes 100 gram of wheat,50 gram of potato and 10 gram of soyabean for each primary school student. This in turn has 476.5 kilocalories and 17 gram protein nutrient value.

Similarly,the menu on Friday is tehri: 100 grams rice,40 grams of potato,10 grams of soyabean and 10 grams of either peas or any other green vegetable. The meal is stated to be nutritious and will provide a child with 476 kilocalories and 13.66 gram proteins.

“The menu outlines the quantity required for primary students. For upper primary students,the quantity will be increased one-and-a-half times than what has been mentioned in the menu. Its calorie and protein value will also increase,” said Rai.